Jury selection begins in sex assault trial

PEORIA — Jury selection began Monday afternoon in the trial of a decorated Peoria police officer accused of sexual assault.

John T. McCavitt, 32, is charged in Peoria County court with aggravated criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual assault, the former a Class X felony carrying a maximum sentence of 30 years. He is accused of tying up and sexually assaulting a woman last summer.

McCavitt was arrested in July 2013 and placed on leave from the Peoria Police Department following allegations he attacked an acquaintance in the early hours of July 17 after a night of drinking with friends.

McCavitt called in sick for his shift that day, and when police arrived at his residence with search warrants their knocks at the door were unanswered.

McCavitt left the residence several hours later, at which time officers confiscated electronics including an iPhone found locked in a safe, another cellphone, a digital camera, “covert recording device” that consisted of cameras housed in tissue boxes, a computer tower, compact discs and a list of passwords. Police also confiscated several restraint systems and other items. DNA samples also were collected, according to search warrants.

What will be presented as evidence remains to be seen, but prospective jurors were asked during the selection process about their willingness to see graphic images.

Jury selection is expected to continue Tuesday morning, with opening statements to come later in the day.

Laura Nightengale can be reached at 686-3181 or lnightengale@pjstar.com. Follow her on Twitter @lauranight.